Tai Tuivasa is staying on the UFC Perth card.
Earlier this week, heavyweight Tuivasa’s original opponent, Sean Sharaf, announced he was out of the bout due to injury. “Sorry guys I fractured my nose and won’t be able to fight May 2nd,” Sharaf wrote on social media, alongside a scan of the injury. “Going to get it fixed look forward to getting back in there soon.”
Luckily, the UFC have landed “Bam Bam” a replacement opponent in the form of Louie Sutherland. Promotion officials announced the switch on Friday.
Tuivasa (14-9) is on a perilous skid that has seen him drop six straight fights. He’s winless since 2022, and despite the Australian’s popularity, another setback would likely spell the end of his UFC career. Despite that, Tuivasa holds victories over Andrei Arlovski, Derrick Lewis, and Stefan Struve, among others.
Scotland’s Sutherland (10-5) is 0-2 under the UFC banner with losses to Valter Walker and Brando Peričić.
Taking place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia on May 2, 2026, UFC Perth features the following match-ups:
- Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates
- Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld
- Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Peričić
- Jonathan Micallef vs. Themba Gorimbo
- Dom Mar Fan vs. Kody Steele
- Colby Thicknesse vs. Vince Morales
- Ben Johnston vs. Wesley Schultz
- Junior Tafa vs. Kevin Christian
- Cameron Rowston vs. Robert Bryczek
- Jacob Malkoun vs. Gerald Meerschaert
- Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg
- Tai Tuivasa vs. Louie Sutherland
